The Patriots signed the running back and former New York Jet on Sept. 18 — the day before the Patriots’ Week 2 trip to the New Meadowlands — and it looked like a move that was designed to stick it to Rex Ryan and Fireman Ed. But Woodhead has shown some true value in two games with the Patriots, and his role in the offense has grown with each passing week.
Obviously, his responsibilities increased after Kevin Faulk‘s season-ending injury, but Woodhead has displayed some electricity as a change-of-pace back. He has rushed 11 times for 78 yards (7.1 yards per carry), caught one pass for 11 yards and scored his first two career touchdowns.
Woodhead has also gotten some reps on special teams, and his block down the right sideline helped open up that last hole that Brandon Tate needed for his 103-yard kickoff return against the Dolphins.
Woodhead, who said he weighs 197 pounds, was clearly under the Dolphins’ skin Monday, too. Well after the whistle on one special teams play in the second half, a pair of Dolphins tried shoving Woodhead in an act that was clearly driven by frustration.
Somewhere along the way, the Jets have to be kicking themselves for releasing Woodhead — even more so now that he is making an impact in New England — but the Patriots are happy to have him on their side.
“You have to love Woodhead,” Pats wide receiver Wes Welker said. “That’s what you love to see. Put the size and everything to the side because the guy can play some ball.”
